Watershed-Based Implementation Funding Program Budget Request and Work Plan Guidance

Purpose

Provide guidance outlining the Budget Request and Work Plan expectations for the Clean Water Fund Watershed-Based Implementation Funding Program. Work Plans must be created in eLINK from activities identified in the eLINK budget request. Eligible activities must be identified in the implementation section of the state approved, locally adopted comprehensive watershed management plan developed under Minnesota statutes §103B.101, Subd. 14 or §103B.801, watershed management plan required under §103B.231, county groundwater plan authorized under §103B.255, or Metro soil and water conservation district annual work plan authorized under §103C.331 and have a primary benefit towards water quality and can include drinking water protection (also see Policy for eligible activities). The work plan must be approved by BWSR prior to funds being distributed.

eLINK Budget Request and Work Plan Expectations

1. Project Abstract: Overall measurable goal statement for the funding attached in eLINK
   1. Overall goals should be listed in the same units that results will be reported in (e.g. # of landowner contacts, # of whole farm management plans, sediment reductions in tons per year. Please do not list pollutant reduction goals as in-stream concentrations or as a percentage alone).
      • Example: The Ottawa River is a priority in the overall comprehensive watershed management plan and is impaired for sediment. The overall reduction in sediment needed to attain water quality standards is 17,890 tons. This project will target the Greenly sub watershed and is estimated to reduce 5,000 tons of sediment (28%). As part of this project, all 132 landowners will be contacted in the sub watershed via an educational campaign. A conservation technician will be hired to assist landowners.
        • Proposed Measurable Outcomes (limit of 250 characters) – Overall high-level outcomes
        • Example 1: Reduce sediment by 5,000 tons in the Greenly sub watershed of the Ottawa River (28% of the overall goal).
2. Team Membership –To allow members of the watershed partnership to contribute to building the budget request, work plan and reporting, please be sure to add all necessary staff contacts from your partnership.
3. Completing a Funding Request in eLINK (please reference the eLINK guidance document "Completing a Funding Request " https://bwsr.state.mn.us/elink-guidance-completing-funding-request or the eLINK training video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsWPc0woOqI&feature=youtu.be) :
   1. Grant Administration Cost over the grant period. Cost must be direct and necessary to activities associated with the Watershed-based Implementation Funding grant.
   2. Project Development over grant period.
      • Broad categories estimated (50% marketing, 30% inventory, 20% education)
      • Reporting must include summaries of the hours worked and progress being made toward the intended goal (detailed timesheets will be needed to be provided during a reconciliation). If contractors are used, reporting will be a summary of invoiced labor.
   3. Technical and Engineering Cost over the grant period
      • Broad categories need to be estimated (example: 40% Profession Engineer, 60% Technician).
      • Work Plan activity detail must have credentials of all staff and include a general reference to the design or performance standards or feasibility study that will be used. Please see the "Technical Quality Assurance" section of the Grants Administration Manual.
      • Example: "Technical services for 110 agricultural practices following the Field Office Technical Guide standards will be provided by technicians with appropriate JAA at the Pennington, Red Lake, and West Polk SWCDs. Staff credentials are attached in eLINK and can be viewed at their respective offices. – 40% activity budget

        • Table 1. Examples for grouping and splitting activities in eLINK

          Correct (Grouping at Activity Level):		Incorrect (Splitting at Activity Level):
          Greenly Watershed Ag Practices	Agricultural Practices	Jane Doe Filter Strip	Agricultural Practices
          		Jack Smith WaSCOB
          Greenly Watershed T/E	Technical/Engineering	Jane Doe T/E	Technical/Engineering
          		Jack Smith T/E

           

   4. Construction Costs over the grant period
      • Group at the Activity level by Activity Category for specific water resource of concern or sub watershed and not by individual project (see "Grouping and Splitting Guidance" and "Chart of Practices by Activity Category"). An estimated total number and type of BMP should be attached in eLINK when submitting the Work Plan)